IN THE FIELD

“Mothers and Children First” in Bossangoa

Africa, Central African Republic
For mothers and children
Ranked 188th out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index, the Central African Republic is one of the most fragile countries in which we work. Maternal mortality stands at 835 per 100,000 live births, neonatal mortality at 32 per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality at 100 per 1,000 live births. The situation is even more severe and dramatic in rural areas far from the capital—such as Bossangoa.
The Bossangoa hospital, with 130 beds, provides care for around 200,000 people and handles approximately 1,500 deliveries per year. We are present to ensure quality care for mothers and children, and we are working to renovate the maternity ward, which is currently in a dilapidated condition. Our commitment goes beyond hospital care and extends into the community. In 2024, we conducted 16 awareness sessions reaching nearly 1,000 people, including local and religious leaders, to promote the importance of delivering in a health facility. In addition, thanks to a system of motorbike taxis and an ambulance, around 1,400 patients—mothers and children—were safely transported from remote areas to the hospital over the course of one year.  

A Bossangoa lavoriamo per rendere le cure più accessibili, rafforzando il sistema sanitario locale.

  • For mothers and children
    Our intervention helps strengthen maternal and neonatal health services through the presence of two highly experienced specialists and ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the maternity ward.
  • Training in Africa
    With the support of local authorities, we have built a school of nursing and midwifery, and the first 30 students have already started their training.
Raising awareness and providing information, ensuring safe and free transport, and strengthening health facilities are essential actions to effectively support mothers and children. To achieve this, we need everything—from medicines and essential medical supplies to construction materials for renovation, as well as skilled and motivated health personnel. This also includes fuel for ambulances and motorbike taxis, and resources for the daily running of the hospital.